NEWARK, N.J. — Protests occurred Thursday outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center, as demonstrators clashed with federal agents amid ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement and conditions within the facility. The protest grew to over 100 participants by 8 p.m. local time, with confrontations arising as unmarked federal vehicles attempted to enter the center. Reports indicate that one individual was detained during the protests, although ICE agents did not confirm whether this would lead to criminal charges.
The protests follow days of escalating demonstrations and criticism from New Jersey Democrats, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, regarding the conditions at Delaney Hall, which reportedly houses around 900 detainees. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused lawmakers and activists of inciting unrest and undermining ICE operations.
Protesters blocked roads surrounding the facility, and tensions escalated when an unmarked federal vehicle drove through the crowd. One protester accused ICE agents of attempting to hit demonstrators. Earlier in the week, Sherrill and several Congress members were denied access to the facility while attempting to address reports of a hunger strike among detainees.
DHS reported that approximately six demonstrators were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers. In response to the unrest, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced new guidance for organizations on how to interact with federal immigration authorities. DHS stated that law enforcement would maintain order and denied the existence of a hunger strike at Delaney Hall at this time.
